Goyal praises PM Modi's global standing after Rahul's 'candy' remark

New Delhi (PTI): Union minister Piyush Goyal hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday over his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "hating India" and refusing to tolerate the "global respect" the country has garnered under Modi's leadership.

Goyal's remarks came after Gandhi, in a post on X, said an "economic storm" is raging over the country while the prime minister is "busy handing out candies in Italy".

"Farmers, youth, women, labourers, and small traders are all in tears -- the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along. This is not leadership, it is a farce," Gandhi wrote on X after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a video of Modi gifting her a packet of Melody toffees.

Reacting sharply, Goyal said Gandhi has a problem with every Indian achievement and cannot tolerate the global recognition the country is receiving under Modi's leadership.

"Why does Rahul Gandhi hate India and everything made in India so much?" Goyal asked in a post on X.

The commerce and industry minister said the country has emerged as the world's "trusted destination" through initiatives, such as "made in India" and "local goes global".

He further said India is earning global respect, investment and trust under Modi's leadership after waiting for decades for such recognition.

"The global respect, investment, and trust that the country waited decades for, the same India is now earning under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, and that is what Rahul Gandhi cannot tolerate," he said.

The Italian premier featured Modi as well in the video posted on X.

"Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift -- a very very good toffee," Meloni said in the video as Modi shows a packet of toffees, saying "Melody".

"Thank you for the gift," Meloni said in her post.